| Hundreds of Lil' Tricklers found new homes in
modelers' workshops all over the world. "I'VE BEEN TRICKLED"
stickers were given to every new customer to wear and soon the
entire trade center was covered with modelers proclaiming ownership
of their new gadget. Of some 360 booths, Lil' Trickler
proved to be one of the busiest for the entire show. Multiple sales
were abound as many modelers saw the need for more than one. Press
releases were provided to all the major publications at the Expo for
New Product columns in the upcoming summer issues. RC Excellence was
able to get an interview with Ray Killingsworth, creator of Lil'
Trickler, while his wife Nancy, tended the booth.
RCX: What is Lil'
Trickler?
Ray: Lil' Trickler is a trickle charge adapter that plugs
between your charger and wall socket to provide constant safe
trickle for your radio or Glo-Starter chargers. Lil' Trickler is a new and expanded version of the original "Lil' Trickler".
It now allows you to trickle charge up to 3 standard (4 - 7 watts)
chargers instead of one.
RCX: How does it work?
Ray: It's a very simple concept. Lil' Trickler alters the
current provided to your chargers so that whatever charger is
plugged into "Lil' Trickler" is set at a safe trickle rate for that
particular charger. You don't need to be concerned with a lot of
numbers, like how many milliampheres, what's the rate of charge,
etc. because "Lil' Trickler" does not get in between your
charger and your battery. All that has been established by the
manufacturer. Just plug Lil' Trickler into a 110 volt wall socket and plug
your chargers into "Lil' Trickler". Set switch to "standard"
and connect your batteries, making sure that your chargers' lights
are on and you have good contact. Then, after normal charge, just
move switch to "Trickle". Lil' Trickler light assures you that
it's doing its' job. The lights on your chargers will either glow
dim, or not at all. THAT'S IT! "Lil' Trickler" can stay connected
for
weeks or months.
RCX: What are some other advantages of Lil' Trickler?
Ray: Since there is no cutting or soldering required, Lil'
Trickler is not dedicated to only one charger, but can be
used for any number of different chargers. Until now we have not had
any way to trickle charge our glo-starters. They were either plugged
into charge and forgotten, therefore overcharged or "fried" or left
uncharged in the flight box only to be useless when they got to the
field. The same goes for the 12 volt starter and fuel pump battery
in the flight box. Lil' Trickler solves all these problems.
Many modelers are using two "Lil' Tricklers" -- one for their flight
box battery, glo starter and cordless screwdriver--the other just
for radios and flight packs. But it doesn't stop there. The possible
uses are endless: Examples would be cordless drill, screwdriver,
vacuum, flashlight, cell phone, motorcycles, watercraft, riding
mowers, snowmobiles, etc. etc.
RCX: Why did you create "Lil' Trickler"?
Ray: As any modeler knows, our hobby is most always dependent on
many variables, like weather, time off, and that ever-present list
of "Honey doos". Many modelers overcome these obstacles only to find
that they could have gone flying today except that they didn't know
before hand and therefore did not put their planes and equipment on
charge. "Lil' Trickler" keeps the modelers equipment always charged
and ready to go.
RCX: Tell us something about yourself.
Ray: I've been an active modeler for 50 years. I built and
successfully flew my first model airplane when I was 6 years old and
have been modeling ever since. I've been in manufacturing for over
30 of those years. Some of the older guys will probably remember
"Race-A-Rama" slot cars back in the 60's and 70's. Yep, that was me.
Like most old timers, I've covered the gamut in modeling at one time
or another with control line, free flight, giant scale, boats, cars,
model trains--just about everything.
Through the years, I've enjoyed fellowship with some of the
finest modelers in the nation. Now that my wife, Nancy and I have
retired to Florida, we are surely in modelers' haven.
RCX: Where can we buy "Lil' Trickler"?
Ray: "Lil' Trickler" is available at your local hobby shop or you
can order direct from the factory: RK Products, P.O. Box 4145,
Enterprise, FL. 32725-0145. The price is $29.95 each plus $5.50 for
shipping. Outside U.S. include $7.50 for shipping. Florida residents
should include 6% sales tax. You can also order from our website:
www.liltrickler.com
RCX: Any final comments?
Ray: Lil' Trickler is simple, inexpensive, and IT WORKS !
It's made by modelers for modelers. It's made right here in the USA
and every "Lil' Trickler" has my name right there on the front. I'll
never sell one that I wouldn't use myself.
RC Excellence Magazine----July, August 2000
Reprinted by permission
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